Red-on-White Crosses Appear Overnight on Weymouth & Portland Roundabouts Amid Mysterious Flag Campaign

Residents across Weymouth and Portland woke up this morning to a curious sight: at least half a dozen roundabouts across the borough now prominently feature red-on-white crosses, the unmistakable symbol of the St George’s flag.

While no official explanation has been issued by Dorset Council or local authorities, the sudden appearance of these patriotic emblems has stirred speculation and debate throughout the community. The flags appear to have been placed deliberately and with care, fluttering atop poles or mounted directly into flowerbeds and roundabout signage.

Initial reports from residents began surfacing on local social media channels in the early hours, many noting the coordinated nature of the installations. “It wasn’t there yesterday, and now the whole roundabout outside Morrison’s is decked out with St George’s flags,” said one Weymouth local. “It looks official—almost like part of a campaign.”

Though unconfirmed by authorities, the markings bear a striking resemblance to recent installations seen in cities like Birmingham and London, which have been linked to an online movement known as “Operation Raise the Colours.” The campaign, which has gained traction across various social media platforms, encourages citizens to publicly display the flags of St George or the Union Jack in “peaceful acts of patriotism.” Advocates of the movement frame it as a response to what they perceive as a decline in visible national pride.

Critics, however, argue that the movement risks politicising public spaces and blurring the lines between civic expression and activism. “Public spaces should remain neutral,” commented one Portland resident. “This might seem harmless, but it opens the door to all kinds of unauthorised displays.”

In the absence of an official statement from the local council, it remains unclear whether these installations are temporary, sanctioned, or will be subject to removal. A spokesperson for Weymouth Town Council declined to comment, stating only that they were “aware of the installations” and were “looking into the matter.”

Whether seen as a bold statement of national pride or an unsanctioned alteration of public space, the red-on-white crosses now dotting roundabouts across Weymouth and Portland are sparking conversation—and perhaps that’s precisely the point.

As one resident put it: “Whatever you think of it, it got us all talking.”

Have you spotted one of these flags? Send us your photos newsdesk@Dorset-news.co.uk